IllustrationGOING TO TOWN ABOUT TWO MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE MADE A NOISE AND STOPPED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RECRANK SO HAD THE CAR TOWED. FIND OUT THAT THE TIMING CHAIN JUMPED TIME AND RUIN THE ENGINE. HAVE NOT REPAIRED YET. FINDING THAT THE 2.7 ENG HAS A MUTITUDE OF PROBLEMS. *NM
2001 Chrysler Sebring
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Chrysler Sebring do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 132.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sebring years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
3025–50K
4850–75K
3275–100K
28100–150K
4150K+
153 reports with mileage · 89 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
21 crash reports5 fire reports16 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
89 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLEW UP ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE BLOW OUT WAS DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NO…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLEW UP ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE BLOW OUT WAS DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY, A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE REVVED WAS HEARD. THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY, A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE REVVED WAS HEARD. THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE OIL CHANGES WERE MAINTAINED EVERY 3,000 MILES. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - THE WHEELS CORRODED CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR. EACH TIME THE TIRES WERE ROTATED THE WHEEL CAPS CAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF. THE CAPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *NM
I AM ANOTHER 2001 SEBRING OWNER WITH A 2.7L ENGINE THAT HAS DIED. MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY HOME ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE MOTOR DIED WITH NO WARNING AND APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES FROM THE NEAREST EXIT. HAVING SEEN CHRYSLER'S LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS, I NOW HAVE A WORTHLESS AUTOMOBILE THAT IS WORTH ABOUT $250-5…
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I AM ANOTHER 2001 SEBRING OWNER WITH A 2.7L ENGINE THAT HAS DIED. MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY HOME ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE MOTOR DIED WITH NO WARNING AND APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES FROM THE NEAREST EXIT. HAVING SEEN CHRYSLER'S LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS, I NOW HAVE A WORTHLESS AUTOMOBILE THAT IS WORTH ABOUT $250-500 FOR A TRADE OR A $4000-8000 ENGINE REPLACEMENT. IT SEEMS THAT WHETHER YOU HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR OR NOT, THERE IS NO PROMISE OF SATISFACTION FROM CHRYSLER. MY PROMISE TO CHRYSLER IS THAT WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER OF THEIR VEHICLES! *JB
CAR OVERHEATED, MECHANIC SAYS A NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED, NO REPAIR AT THIS TIME NOT DRIVABLE. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS AT AN IDLE, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #00V299002 REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN THE LUBE SPECIALISTS HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND SUGGESTED THAT VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAILING AND THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEMS WI…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN THE LUBE SPECIALISTS HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND SUGGESTED THAT VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAILING AND THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALERS FOR THE PARTS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT VIEWED ONLINE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS OF RECALL.
I BOUGHT A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH A 2.7 L ENGINE IN NOVEMBER 2005. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE 59 FROM LOUISIANA TO ALABAMA ON JAN. 2, 2006 MY ENGINE SEIZED AND STOPPED. I HAD TO PULL OFF OF THE INTERSTATE IMMEDIATELY TO KEEP FROM GETTING HIT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY FOUND IT HAD SLUDGE ALL OVER T…
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I BOUGHT A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH A 2.7 L ENGINE IN NOVEMBER 2005. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE 59 FROM LOUISIANA TO ALABAMA ON JAN. 2, 2006 MY ENGINE SEIZED AND STOPPED. I HAD TO PULL OFF OF THE INTERSTATE IMMEDIATELY TO KEEP FROM GETTING HIT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY FOUND IT HAD SLUDGE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. I HAVE KEPT MY CAR MAINTAINED AND HAD AN OIL CHANGE THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. THIS LEFT ME VULNERABLE TO HAVE INJURED MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. I WAS OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, BUT WAS TOLD SLUDGE WAS NOT COVERED. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *JB
PURCHASED A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING NEW WITH 101 MILES IN AUG 2001. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 42,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. THE CHRYSLER'S 2.7L ENGINE HAS MANY INTERNET DOCUMENTS SHOWING THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NOT COVERED BY CHRYSLER OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE 65 MPH O…
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PURCHASED A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING NEW WITH 101 MILES IN AUG 2001. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 42,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. THE CHRYSLER'S 2.7L ENGINE HAS MANY INTERNET DOCUMENTS SHOWING THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NOT COVERED BY CHRYSLER OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AT 8:00 AM WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED. FORTUNATELY (ALTHOUGH RUSH HOUR) NO ONE WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE VEHICLE. CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS CHRYSLER WANTS $6,000 TO FIX THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE IS ONLY WORTH $8,800. CAR IS STILL SITTING AT DEALERSHIP. CHRYSLER HAS NOT MADE ANY CHANGES TO THIS ENGINE SO EVEN IF REPAIRS ARE MADE THIS PROBLEM WILL KEEP OCCURRING. *NM
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE ON MY 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING MY ONLY SOLUTION IS TO LET THE CAR SIT FOR THE TWO YEARS I OWE ON IT BECAUSE THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN FLAW. *NM
Official recalls
916V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jun 3, 2016
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jun 2, 2015
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
01V011002 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
Jan 16, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE MANUFACTURING PROCESS ALLOWED THE REINFORCEMENT YARD TO BREACH THE INNER LAYER OF SOME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOSES WEAKENING THE INNER WALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
01V005002 · Seats
Jan 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BOLTS MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD CAUSE INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
00V366000 · Child Seat
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
00V320002 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 27, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OUTER LAYER ONLY OF THIS 3-LAYER FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE DESIRED OZONE PROTECTION DUE TO A PROCESSING ERROR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
00V306000 · Air Bags:frontal
Oct 12, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION SECTIONS WHICH MAY NOT RETAIN THE AIR BAG DOOR DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT EVENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A SEPARATED AIR BAG DOOR COULD INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.
00V299002 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Oct 2, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.
00V278000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
Sep 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THROUGH DEGRADATION OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE SILENCER PAD AND A SHEET METAL PANEL (QUARTER INNER UPPER), THE PAD MAY FALL ONTO THE MAP LIGHT LOCATED IN THE REAR SEATING AREA NEAR THE C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL (LH AND RH). THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE THE PAD TO MELT, CREATING A HOT SMELL AND/OR SMOKE DURING LONG PERIODS OF ILLUMINATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION PAD FROM BEHIND BOTH REAR MAP LIGHTS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.